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Hawaii Preparatory Academy is a co-educational, college-preparatory, day and boarding school. On Hawai'i Island, you will live and learn within spectacular landscapes, vital ecosystems, and a mix of world cultures. At Hawai'i Preparatory Academy, we embrace these unique resources to create research partnerships, signature programs, and exceptional learning opportunities that make HPA a school like no other.
HPA is now accepting applications for the 2024-2025 application season! We are accepting applications now through our priority deadline of February 10, 2024. After that, we will move into the rolling application phase.
Hawai'i Preparatory Academy is a top rated, private, boarding school. It has 572 students in grades K-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 8 to 1. Tuition is $64,800 for the highest grade offered. After graduation, 95% of students from this school go on to attend a 4-year college.
The school is located in the beautiful, rural setting of Waimea on the northern side of the spectacular island of Hawaii, which National Geographic named one of the best places in the world to live.
At HPA, our location allows us to offer a high school education like no other. We combine a rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum with the chance to design and conduct your own real-world research, arts, or community projects. Through capstone classes, 16 Advanced Placement courses, our award-winning Energy Lab, immersive local learning, and other signature programs, we support and empower you to hone skills, build confidence, and create an impressive body of work for college and later life.
Students are given the opportunity to do cutting edge research in independent projects such as brain research, genetics, astronomy, and geology; and HPA partnerships with organizations like Stanford University, Cornell, Keck Observatory, and NASA expose students to more "real world" research and a strategic advantage when applying to universities.
HPA offers two, three-week summer school for students ages eleven through seventeen with mostly enrichment courses including SAT prep, math, science, English, ESL, and the arts.
AP Art History, AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature and Composition, AP Environmental Science, AP Human Geography, AP Physics C, AP Physics I, AP Precalculus, AP Psychology, AP Spanish Language and Culture, AP Statistics, AP US History
There are multiple tuition rates according to day or boarding, Lower, Middle, Upper School, or International. The tuition listed is for Upper School 7-day boarding for 2023-2024.
Club or Organization: Chess Club, College Counseling Club, Cycling Club, Electronic Music club, Film Club, Hawaiian Club, International Club, Japanese Club, Ka Makani Club, North Hawai'i Youth Coalition, Nutrition Club, Origami Club, Peer Assistance Program, Philosophy Club, Photography Club, Project Water Club, Red Cross Youth Group, Red Key Guide Club (Student Ambassadors), Robotics Club, SAT Club, Spanish Club, Student Council, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Students for China Club, Tea & Philosophy Club, Vocal Music, Yearbook
School Notes
Founded in 1949, Hawaii Preparatory Academy (HPA) offers a
rigorous, K-12 college-preparatory education, offering a dynamic
global learning community. Rooted in the inclusive concept of
ohana, HPA is a unique place to learn global citizenship and
prepare for the college experience. HPA combines a traditional,
vigorous foundation in the liberal arts with student-driven,
project-based learning. Our curriculum and school culture are
deeply influenced by a strong sense of place here on Hawaii Island,
in the heart of world-famous Parker Ranch.
HPA serves 600 students in grades K-12 on two campuses, the
Village Campus and the Upper Campus. The Village Campus is home to
our Lower and Middle Schools and comprises eight acres in the heart
of downtown Waimea and where our kindergarten through grade 8
students attend classes.The Upper Campus comprises 220 acres
in the foothills of the Kohala Mountains and is located a few
minutes outside of Waimea. It is home to the Upper School (grades 9
to 12, and postgraduate).
The Upper School academic program combines traditional
education with our capstone project-based learning.HPA`s
international award-winning Energy Lab hosts students engaged in
independent research and serves as the school`s sustainability
program hub. Here students concentrate on advanced computer
science, robotics, and drones. Biotechnology projects using DNA PCR
thermocycler and UV transilluminator, digital journalism and
storytelling, electrical and mechanical engineering.
Over the years, students have partnered with organizations like
NASA, the W. M. Keck Observatory, NOAA, the Pacific Tsunami Warning
Center, and others. Upper School students can also select from an
extensive schedule of Honors and 17 AP classes.In addition to
the Energy Lab, HPA offers a large heated pool, Issacs Art Gallery,
tennis court with four courts, various water sports, an established
after-school athletic program, horseback riding, a world-renowned
Sea Turtle Tagging program, and many extracurricular activities
where you can get your SCUBA diving certification or star in the
fall musical.
Day students from Hawaii are joined by boarding students from
15 states and 25 countries to create a diverse, international
`ohana. Boarding students live in three residence halls located on
the Upper Campus, where they gain independence and are immersed in
school life that extends well beyond the classroom.Graduates
often end up attending the finest universities around the
world.
HPA is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and
Colleges and the Hawai`i Association of Independent Schools.
Hawaii Preparatory Academy's tuition is approximately $59,100 for private students and $4,800 for summer students.
What schools are Hawaii Preparatory Academy often compared to?
Hawaii Preparatory Academy is often viewed alongside schools like Parker School by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of Hawaii Preparatory Academy?
The acceptance rate of Hawaii Preparatory Academy is 70%, which is lower than the national average of 81%.
Does Hawaii Preparatory Academy offer a summer program?
Yes, Hawaii Preparatory Academy offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Hawaii Preparatory Academy offer?
Hawaii Preparatory Academy offers 26 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Crew, Cross Country, Cross Fit, Dance, Diving, Equestrian, Football, Golf, Indoor Soccer, Lacrosse, Polo, Rugby, Sailing, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball, Water Polo, Weightlifting and Wrestling. Hawaii Preparatory Academy is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Hawaii for most sports offered.
When is the application deadline for Hawaii Preparatory Academy?
The application deadline for Hawaii Preparatory Academy is Feb. 10 / rolling (applications are due on Feb. 10 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
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